Senior Manager Operational Risk CBNZ

Job Title

Senior Manager Operational Risk CBNZ

Job Description

Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. One of our key strengths lies in our kaimahi (employees) who have a deep understanding of agriculture and are committed to adding long-term value for our clients.

Our purpose is clear of growing a better New Zealand together. Our commitment to our employees and customers is at the heart of everything we do.

Are you ready to take the next step in your risk career? 

Rabobank New Zealand is looking for a proactive and commercially minded risk professional to join the Country Banking NZ (CBNZ) Portfolio Management team.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone ready to step into a Senior Manager role, broaden their operational risk expertise and work closely with senior leaders across the business. 

This role sits within the 1st Line of Responsibility and will help strengthen risk culture and embed practical, effective risk management across CBNZ .  Based in our modern Hamilton Head Office, you’ll spend a minimum of three days each week in the office, working alongside colleagues, building strong connections and contributing to the collaborative team culture that is an important part of how we work. 

About the role | Mō te tūranga 

Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Management, you will partner with the GM Country Banking NZ, the CBNZ Leadership Team and teams across the business to help make good risk management part of everyday decision-making. 

You will play an active role in implementing Rabobank’s Risk and Control Framework, with a particular focus on operational risk, helping the business proactively identify and manage operational risks, strengthen controls and achieve its objectives within Rabobank NZ’s risk appetite.  This includes leading annual and dynamic risk identification & risk assessments to ensure the risk profile remains relevant, practical and aligned with how the business operates. 

This is a broad role offering exposure to senior leadership, business operations and experience in different areas of operational risk.  It will suit someone who enjoys learning, taking initiative and turning risk requirements into practical business solutions. 

About you | Ō pūkenga 

You may already be leading risk activity, or may be ready to take the step into your first Senior Management position.  Either way, you will bring curiosity, initiative and the confidence to work constructively with people at all levels. 

You do not need to have worked across every operational risk discipline.  What matters is your ability to proactively identify and manage operational risks and incidents, learn quickly, understand business issues and help people find practical, risk-aware solutions. 

You are likely to bring: 

• Around 7 or more years’ relevant experience in risk, compliance, assurance, incident management, banking operations or a related field. 

• Experience applying risk and control principles in a business environment. 

• An understanding of financial services, other regulated industry and drivers of operational risk. 

• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence without relying on formal authority. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Sound judgement, curiosity and a willingness to ask constructive questions. 

• A proactive approach and the confidence to take ownership and maintain momentum. 

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent practical experience. 

• Experience in operational risk, workplace health and safety, business continuity would be valuable, but applicants are not expected to have experience in every area. 

What you’ll gain 

• A genuine opportunity to step into a broad and visible Senior Manager role. 

• Exposure to senior leaders and strategic decision making across CBNZ. 

• The opportunity to deepen your knowledge across multiple operational risk disciplines. 

• Experience leading reviews, influencing business outcomes and building risk capability. 

• A platform for continued growth within risk, leadership and banking.  

What success looks like 

You will bring energy and momentum to the role, build trusted relationships and help teams make risk management practical and relevant.  You will be comfortable working through ambiguity, keen to develop your expertise and motivated by the opportunity to make a visible difference. 

Life at Rabobank | te ora I Rabobank

At Rabobank we offer a range of benefits:

• Access to and eligibility for the Bank’s annual variable remuneration incentive scheme
• A range of wellbeing benefits including free Flu vaccinations, 2 days wellbeing leave, wellbeing webinars and Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual leave plus eligibility for an extra week of bonus leave, as well as the option to purchase up to two extra weeks of leave a year
• Professional development and training
• Access to 26 weeks fully paid parental leave for new parents, continued payment of the employer KiwiSaver contribution for the 52 weeks
• Active employee social club and a range of fun activities throughout the year

If you are interested in Growing a better New Zealand together (kia ngātahi te tipu o Aotearoa) please follow the link and apply online or visit www.rabobank.co.nz./careers.

Applications close Tuesday 10 November 2026

Our Values | ō mātou uara

Rabobank believe embracing inclusion, equity and belonging delivers positive experiences for our people and clients.  Our great working conditions, broad learning and development programmes and the opportunity to work together for the greater good are reasons why our employees love working here.

At Rabobank New Zealand, we are committed to our values; we are client-driven, we take responsibility, we are professional and cooperative.   We have an open culture, where you can be yourself and be valued for who you are.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, sex/sex characteristics, gender (Inclusive of all genders), gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or other diversity characteristics not mentioned.  We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Together, we can grow a better world.